Citgo robbed at gunpoint; police seek help locating thieves

Published: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 8:01 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 8:01 p.m.

Police say two unidentified armed robbers stormed the Citgo at 324B Washington St. Monday night, leaving with $1,800 in cash. They are seeking the public’s help to catch the crooks.

Security camera footage show a man and a woman, their faces hidden under what could have been ski masks, brandishing pistols and demanding money, according to Hendersonville Police Detective Bruce Darrah.

The robbery occurred shortly before 10 p.m. at the Citgo station across from Hot Dog World. Store owner Rajesh Ramanbhai Patel, 50, was manning the counter when the suspects came in. Although it was hard to make out a description, Patel said he recognized the voice of the female as the voice of a customer who has been in the store before.

Patel, who has owned the store for three years, said this was his first time ever being robbed at gunpoint. The scary incident has made him think about increasing his security measures.

He said the suspects entered the store at about 9:45 p.m., 15 minutes before closing time.

Darrah said the suspects got money from the register and Patel before leaving on foot toward North Washington Street. No injuries were reported and the robbery is still under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hendersonville Police Department at 828-697-3025.

<p>Police say two unidentified armed robbers stormed the Citgo at 324B Washington St. Monday night, leaving with $1,800 in cash. They are seeking the public's help to catch the crooks.</p><p>Security camera footage show a man and a woman, their faces hidden under what could have been ski masks, brandishing pistols and demanding money, according to Hendersonville Police Detective Bruce Darrah.</p><p>The robbery occurred shortly before 10 p.m. at the Citgo station across from Hot Dog World. Store owner Rajesh Ramanbhai Patel, 50, was manning the counter when the suspects came in. Although it was hard to make out a description, Patel said he recognized the voice of the female as the voice of a customer who has been in the store before.</p><p>Patel, who has owned the store for three years, said this was his first time ever being robbed at gunpoint. The scary incident has made him think about increasing his security measures. </p><p>He said the suspects entered the store at about 9:45 p.m., 15 minutes before closing time.</p><p>Darrah said the suspects got money from the register and Patel before leaving on foot toward North Washington Street. No injuries were reported and the robbery is still under investigation.</p><p>Anyone with information is asked to call the Hendersonville Police Department at 828-697-3025.</p><p>Reach Weaver at emily.weaver@blueridgenow.com or 828-694-7867.</p>